July 22, 2001

A college student conducted an experiment that did not appear to have any discernible value. Volunteers monitored to see how long they could keep their hand submerged in a pail of ice water. More by accident than intention, the student found that those who had a friend standing by during the experiment fared much better than those who did not.

It's similar to something obstetricians have discovered that when fathers stand by during the birthing process, mothers experience much less pain and have far fewer anxious moments and complications. "STANDING BY" is an important and valued ministry.

An attorney in Florida became concerned about some of the decisions rendered by a local judge. They often hinted at bias and were often tainted by racism. So she recruited some of the elderly women of her community to come to the courtroom on a regular basis. Their sole job was to sit there and be present. It provoked a remarkable transformation.

The judge, disconnected by these women who kept showing up for apparent reason, began to think twice before rendering any decision. He did not realize that most of the elderly women could not speak or understand English, but the mere fact of their presence prompted him to be doubly sure that whatever he was abut to say would be reflective of that justice and not construed as insensitive or biased.

There's much to be said for the power of presence. What's been known to receive reprimand is often deserving of our praise. "STANDING BY" and doing "NOTHING" is needed and a valued ministry.

Jesus was the first to identify this type of ministry as a ministry. Today we call it pastoral care. Mary is standing by Jesus while Martha is busy with all the household tasks. Instead of following Martha's cue and chiding Mary for doing nothing, he praises her for "CHOOSING THE BETTER PART." Jesus needed Mary's being far more than Martha's doing.

SO THE QUESTION: WHO OR WHAT CAN BEST BENEFIT FROM THE MINISTRY OF STANDING BY?

Click here to view the archive